I got tot to thinking that the Labour Government’s strategy in dealing with the credit crisis can be compared with an Eighteenth Century Military Campaign.
Imagine the Grand Old Duke of York of nursery rhyme fame, for years believing that all that his troops were for was to make him look impressive. So he concentrated on spending on shiny uniforms and the latest equipment, and plenty of retinue. Further the troops were trained in drill, but not how to fire their muskets, or fix their bayonets.

Then the general has to face a critical battle. Fearing for his personal safety, (and distrusting his generals), the glorious general sends his personal valet to inspect the area. The valet spots a nice hilltop, with trees for shade where the area can be surveyed in safety. The troops on the low ground, so the general can view them. When the enemy is sited, he gets the cannons and muskets to fire a series of salutes to impress the enemy of the importance of the mighty general that they face. With the ammunition depleted, the order is given for the entire army to advance, with the band at the head, playing a victory anthemn. When the enemy give a warning shot, suddenly the general is no where to be seen….